The Grenada gazette., 1887-10-01

little lady. "Do come back with me
Emily"
| But Miss Hammond stood upon ;
woman's prerogative-cowardice-
at this junction beat hasty retreat.
Plucky little Susie meanwhile
turned and ran the other way. There
was the door Just as she had left it, Il
little ajar, and she turned the key in
the lock.
"Aha! you are caught, bushy black
head; stay there till we call for you.'
This, with gleeful laugh, as she ran
down the church-yard.
Susie was a woman of prompt meas
ures, and she lost no time in making
her way to the nearest house on the
outskirts of the village.
1t was inhabited by an old officer,
who was standing in his garden as she
approached. and she ran to him crying
breathlcssly:
"Oh, Captain Cowan, there's q thief
in the church! What shall we do to
save the plate?'
"Heyday!' cried the Captain, "he'll
be off by this time"
"Not he, said Susie, with laughing
eyes, 81 locked him in
And she related her exploit.
"Deary me,' sighed the old soldier,
my rheumatism is so bad to-day l can
hardly move, but 10 shall 60 with you,
my child; he's a big, strong fellow"
10 was the gardener.
Here said the Captain, "go to
the church with this young lady and
kick that fellow out, neck and crop"
10 was big, strong fellow, but he
didn't seem to relish the business any
better than Emily Hammond. How
ever, he could do no less than walk Oft
with Miss Curtis Immediately.
1t was characteristic of this young
woman that she never thought of re-
naming behind.
II wish it were any one but Jo,"
sighed the adventurous damsel. "He
walks SO slow. l do believe he's
frightened, and they say he has fits"
"Fortunc favors the brave" At the
corner of the lane leading to the
church Susie met four stalwart heroes,
two of them her devoted slaves when
ever she chose to tyrannize little.
whats this Miss Hammond's been
telling us'' cried the quartet, unani-
mously. "A robber in the church,"
"Oh, I'm so glad to see you," she
cried, rapturously. "Come, every one
of you.' And she briefly explained
Emily's confused recital
You are plucky!' they cried. in
great admiration.
II want to see the fun" rejoined
Susie. turning it off.
Now" she resumed, when they
had reached the church, "lct us
listen"
All stood silent for several minutes;
not sound was heard.
Evidently he hasn't discovered he
is locked in," said Susie again. Hadn't
two of you better mount guard to pre-
vent any possibility of escape, and the
others go in and seize him?"
"Let us go,' cried the rivals. eager
ly; land you must come, Miss Susie. to
identify him."
Susie fitted the key into the lock
with a hand trembling with excite
ment, pushed open the door, and the
three crept cautiously in. The two
outside heard the scurry of feet in the
church, slight scuffle, then loud,
triumphant shout:
"We've got him!"
Too much tempted to remain, both
rushed in. There stood their compan-
ions, pinioning with iron grip, their
prisoner. who was struggling to free
himself. Susie stood watching them,
twinge ofpity stirring her heart
Don't hurt him." her soft voice was
pleading; "he doesn't look SO very
bad, poor man."
But when the gaze of the newcomers
met that Of the prisoner his struggles
suddenly ceased. Then six pair Of
eyes assumed general stare.
"Let him go!'' they cried. and be.
fore the command was obeyod, added
in convulsed they took you for
q church thief" Then the old church
rang with q laughter it had never
heard before, and probably never will
again.
"What does it mcani" cried the riv-
ais resentfully.
"Who is hep" exclaimed Susie, turn.
ing red.
Don't you know?' cried the others
when at last they began to speak.
NO" savagely.
"Why, the new minister"
"That comes Of listening 10 Mrs.
Bclton!" cried poor Susie; and, in spite
Of all her bravery, she burst out crying
will, modification and rushed from the
church.
But before she reached the gate 4
tall figure camc striding after her, and